Other Cool Stuff

Monday, February 12, 2018

A few months ago, I was contacted by the developers of Gaia
GPS. (https://www.gaiagps.com). They
offered a 3 month subscription for me to download the app and use it everywhere
I hunt.I snapped it up and used it
(hunted with it) in South Dakota, Nebraska, New Mexico, and Arizona.In addition, I tested it (called up areas I
hunt in these states from the comfort of my living room) in Michigan, Texas, Oregon,
Georgia, Wisconsin, and Florida.

Michigan area showing Private and Public (shaded) land

The screen-shot above shows the iPad picture of the app. I
use it on an iPhone 7S while hunting. When I get a cell signal, or WiFi, all
the data is uploaded across my devices.

Across the top, the first logo shows (when selected) the
accuracy of the gps signal, then the ‘take a picture’ icon, expand the screen,
layers, more menus, search, find me. The
boxes above the main screen can be personalized to whatever data you want to
see.Below that is the compass heading,
selectable between true and magnetic.

Of course, many places I hunt have no cell signal.In fact, even if there is a cell signal, I
will turn my phone to the “airplane” mode to 1) stop all battery killing
background operations, and 2) keep the gps running and tracking. If you need
the maps while hunting, you can use the available cell system, or download the
map ahead of time (like the last spot you know you’ll get service) and use
airplane mode and a stored map you create.

The “layers” icon is the real bonus!Here is where you’ll find all the cool
maps.

Public Land Layers for Michigan

You can see that I’ve selected Michigan Public land overlay
maps. When I hunted there last October, the National Forest maps were readily
available. But, there are a gazillion acres of STATE Forest, all huntable, and
the maps are not so easily obtainable. As you can see, it’s all available in the
layers. Pretty good cell reception up there, too. (But, don’t plan on it.)

Once you record a track, you’ll be asked to name it and save
it. You can make notes (e.g., shot 4 limits today over Biscuit-eater, or I’ll
never hunt with this guy again!)Then
you can view it on the website and your other devices.

My New Mexico cast with Blue

Here’s a screenshot of a saved track from December 12,
2017.This is my track (that’s where the
phone is), but, in the title, you can see I was running my puppy, Blue.You can plainly see the roads and that I was
on BLM land most of the time and on State Trust Land a portion of the cast. Total
distance, time, and climb or descent is also saved. I don’t have it in my
notes, but this would be New Mexico.On
the left side of the track is where you’d see notes and any photos I took while
on the cast.

I’m not going to hit every detail. I used it on the ground
and it worked every time. I’ve only covered 40% of the capabilities.

I could go on and on, but here is the bottom line: I like it
better than other apps out there. I just bought another year of Premium
Membership ($40). To me this app is the iPhone of the industry- it’s made to
work and flow intuitively. If you can’t figure something out, it’s because
you’re thinking too hard. It gives me all the layers I need, and plenty of
capability.And, it’s $60 cheaper than
other apps!I know I’ve been a strong
proponent of gps apps. This one is in front now and I have it as BUY. Don’t
go west without it.

To purchase the premium app with all the maps for hunting over the entire US at 20% off, Click HERE or click the GAIAGPS logo on the BLOG Home Page.

Bird Dogs and Bird Hunting

After more than 20 years of bird dogs and bird hunting, I was able to free myself of the day to day "making a living" that is the curse of all those men and women to whom bird dogs and bird hunting is a way of life. Traveling around the country, from September to March, I indulge my passion for bird dogs and bird hunting with my Brittany bird dogs. Recently, I added to the pack by keeping 2 pups from the last litter of 11 that Ace and Ruby had. While having 4 dogs and traveling the country can be problematic, I've noticed I don't need to worry as much about "running out of dogs" before the trip is complete. With a little prevention, care and planning, I can rest dogs 1 day in 3 and still have 2 on the ground in the morning and 2 more in the afternoon. In the event a dog is laid up (cut pad, intestinal distress) another dog can step up. Bird dogs and bird hunting will make you a tremendous manpower (dog power) planner!

Another beneficial side effect is the planning of actual trips and times of the year. As an example, September is my traditional Montana Sharptail and Hungarian Partridge month. Great birds for the pups, they hold tight and live in easy country, It's a good way to get the dogs back in to "hunting" mode. October is Pheasant and Ruffed Grouse month. Usually the Dakotas and either Wisconsin or Minnesota will get a visit from the Brittany pack. In November, my bird dogs and bird hunting show will visit quail states like Oklahoma, New Mexico, Kansas, Texas and Arizona. December will be the Mearns Quail deployment to mountains of Southern Arizona followed by Gambles Quail in Arizona and Blue Quail in New Mexico. January is a toss up and for the last several years has been Nebraska for pheasant, Oklahoma for Bob Whites, Arizona for Gambels and New Mexico for Blues (again). However, I've been known to head to Idaho for Valley Quail and Chukar.

In February, in order to instill some discipline and keep the boys and girls in top form, I start hitting the NSTRA Field Trials real hard, with an eye to the National Trials in February, April and May.

While I know this schedule with my bird dogs and bird hunting looks to be excessive, I look at it like a cup of water with small leak. I'm not getting any younger and the water in the cup is the time I have left. Thank God, I'm in excellent health (no thanks to my younger years) and still have the drive to chase the Chukar and Huns, but time will advance none-the-less and before too long, I will be remembering and wishing instead loading up the Beast of Birdin' with dog boxes and shotgun shells.

This BLOG is a way for me to document my fun with bird dogs and bird hunting. I can also look at products and test them on the road, under actual hunting conditions. I enjoy doing that and I've found some real gems in equipment and techniques.